Milestones.

Here we are, day 2/31 of my self imposed post-a-day challenge. I woke up with a full blown head cold and the thought of trying to form a cohesive post seemed impossible. But that is what this is about, right? Challenging myself. If it was easy, it wouldn't be a challenge. At least that is what I am telling myself.

This morning, as I grumbled and sniffled though breakfast and coffee making, I noticed something. My tiny little 3.5 year old didn't seem so tiny. Her round, chubby, toddler body had stretched, seemingly overnight, into a tall and lean preschooler. Her clumsy fingers of yesterday were nimbly lifting levers and pushing buttons while she helped me to make coffee. Diaper changes had been replaced with independent potty breaks. Snugly moments of nursing had somehow become helping herself to a snack from the fridge.

I blinked back tears as I texted my husband, 1,700 miles away on business.

I got to thinking about all the milestones our daughter has hit recently. Milestones no one really talks about a whole lot.

-Graduation form toddler sizes to "big kid" sized clothes.

-No longer needs me to hold her on the potty or use a potty seat anymore. Going potty all by herself. No asking, prompting or suggesting. (The only alert I have is her calling for me to come help her wipe.)

-Can use my iPhone to call her daddy.

-Can answer a phone and hold a semi-normal conversation.

-Eats soup with a spoon and orders her own food at a restaurant.

-Cleans up her own messes, changer her own clothes, brush her own teeth, and wash her own hands.

-She falls asleep on her own, without nursing or rocking or being held.

-Frequently sings along with the radio, and uses the right words.

-She can (and does!!) entertain herself for hours. HOURS.

These are little things that suddenly feel really huge. These are the connections between first steps and first day of school.

"Want me to make you some more coffee, Mommy?"

And with that one question I am snapped out of my nostalgia. My husband was right. She is supposed to grow up. We are doing a great job. She is amazing.

And now, she makes coffee.